By George Anderson
It's barbecue season and Americans are grilling burgers and steaks despite Canada's case of mad cow disease and higher prices on beef.
According to Reuters, U.S. wholesale beef prices have increased 5.5 percent since Canada reported its single case of mad cow disease.
Moderator's Comment: What impact will higher beef prices have on the sales of meat and other grocery categories?
HedgersEdge.com, a livestock advisory firm, reports beef plants this week are "earning more than $100 for every steer and heifer they slaughter."
Christine McCracken, a food industry analyst with Midwest Research doesn't expect to see any immediate reduction in sales of beef. She told Reuters, "It is the grilling season. On a relative scale of things, good food is one of the easiest ways to treat yourself." [George Anderson - Moderator]